Question 3 from UPSC CSE 2015 - Environment

Question

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee is constituted under the

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

Strategy: Analyze the committee's name, 'Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee,' to identify its core regulatory domain. This points towards environmental and biosafety concerns, allowing for the selection of the most relevant act from the given options.

Key Info: **GEAC Establishment and Role**

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) is established by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It operates under the 'Rules for Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989.' These rules were created using the powers conferred by the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

GEAC serves as India's apex regulatory body for activities involving hazardous microorganisms and recombinants. Its primary responsibilities include:

- Granting or denying permission for the commercial release of genetically modified (GM) crops and other organisms.
- Monitoring field trials of GM organisms.
- Imposing biosafety conditions.
- Overseeing large-scale use of hazardous microorganisms in research and industrial production.

The committee includes representatives from various scientific ministries and independent experts.

**Other Relevant Acts**

Other acts mentioned in the options have different focuses:

- The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, regulates food safety.
- The Geographical Indications Act deals with intellectual property rights.
- The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, protects designated wild flora and fauna, not biotechnology.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972